Jones Urges Voters to Finish Job

Bergen County residents face a final push to the polls as the 2026 general election arrives. Leroy Jones, chairman of the New Jersey Democratic Party, issued a direct appeal to voters in a statement released ahead of the voting deadline.

Jones noted that polling places will open at 6:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM. He cited strong numbers from Vote By Mail returns and early voting activities over the previous week as evidence of high voter engagement. The chairman suggested that many readers were already active in campaign efforts, such as door knocking or staffing phone banks, while monitoring the data.

The statement emphasized that the current momentum stems from volunteer effort rather than chance. Jones argued that the real-time data reflects the determination of party members who aim to restore what he called guardrails to the democracy. He stated that the party cannot let up now that the election is imminent.

Jones listed the state’s top-ticket candidates who he said support county and local races. The slate includes Cory Booker, Frank Pallone, LaMonica McIver, Rob Menendez, Donald Norcross, Josh Gottheimer, Nellie Pou, Herb Conaway, Analilia Mejia, Rebecca Bennett, Dr. Adam Hamawy, Rachel Peace, and Zack Mullock. He described this group as a model for other state parties, citing the diversity of thought and demographic makeup within the New Jersey Democratic Party.

The chairman connected the upcoming vote to policy positions on war, policing, and economic inequality. He said voters can oppose policies that allow neighbors to be removed from streets without process. He also pointed to a desire to replace politicians who favor billionaire interests, citing disparities in education, healthcare, and housing as key issues. Jones referenced the previous year’s election of Mikie Sherrill as the first Democratic woman governor, noting her record as a resourceful fighter against hate and inequality.

Jones concluded by stating that the party spent months building a foundation to send more allies to the governor’s office. He declared it time to finish that work. The statement served as a final reminder for voters to participate in the federal, county, and local elections scheduled for the day.